Jackson's hometown moves ahead with museum plans

The Associated Press, Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 10:10am (PDT)

GARY, Ind. (AP) -- The mayor of Michael Jackson's hometown says crews will break ground as early as next year on a museum and arts center dedicated to the city's most famous former resident.

Mayor Rudy Clay says the Jackson Family Museum and Hotel and the Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center and Theaters in Gary, Ind., will cost about $300 million.

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The mayor says the money will come from investors and donations, but the city is donating 300 acres of land for the project.

Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, attended a Wednesday news conference in Gary. He says he's carrying on his son's legacy by making sure the project comes to fruition.

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Michael Jackson was last in Gary in 2003 to talk about the project, but nothing had happened since then.

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